You can pop out some automotive dents with inexpensive auto dent puller hand tools that rely on the ability of metal to "remember" its original shape. Use these tools in areas that provide no access to the underside of the body. They allow you to repair dents without removing panels and drilling, sanding, filling and painting -- ultimately saving you cash at the auto body store.
Suction Cup Auto Dent Pullers
Suction cup pullers are hand tools that consist of a tough plastic or metal grip mounted to a rubber cup that creates a vacuum when applied to a flat surface and pumped. It works much like a sink plunger. The suction of these cups is so strong, particularly on the heavy-duty versions of the tools, that they are also used to lift heavy glass windscreens into place. Suction cup auto dent pullers are available from auto supply and hardware stores in a variety of sizes, from single mini-cups for small dents like those caused by hailstones to versions with multiple cups, connected by a bridge-style handle, used for removing wider dents. When purchasing a puller, match it to the size of your dent and remember to work on a warm day when the underlying metal of the damaged area has warmed up, becoming more elastic.
Hot Glue Auto Dent Pullers
Hot glue dent pullers come in a kit form, usually including a hot glue gun, glue sticks, pulling tabs in a variety of sizes, a plastic blade for removing the glued tabs and a bottle of solvent to remove any glue residues. Some kits come with a small glue gun which runs off a cigarette lighter jack and are easy to use in areas with no electricity supply. Others include a choice of adhesives: stronger ones for deeper dents, regular strength for shallower "dings" and specially formulated glue that works in cold temperatures. Hot glue dent puller kits are available from local auto supply stores.
Sink Plunger Dent Puller
Using a common sink plunger to remove a dent is a cheap home repair strategy that works surprisingly well on some dents. The plunger is exactly the same tool you use to unblock your bathroom or kitchen sink: a long wooden handle with a large rubber cup on the end. Plungers are available from local hardware stores or, in an emergency, the cupboard under your sink. Remember to wet the plunger and apply it to a clean surface, free of grease and oil, for the best results.
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